Isaac Likekele Making Strong Impression at USA Basketball Camp

Isaac Likekele, who didn’t take long to make a name for himself in the Big 12, is quickly doing the same as part of the USA Basketball program.

On Saturday, the freshman who started all 32 games for the Cowboys at point guard began the USA Basketball U19 tryouts at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

If he makes the 12-man roster, he will head to Greece later this month to represent his country in the 2019 FIBA World Cup.

According to those in attendance, Likekele has impressed early.

Good day at the USA under-19 trials. Oklahoma State’s Isaac Likekele the standout. Impressive playmaking skills with size. Walker Kessler, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl and Evan Mobley among the others that stood out

— Corey Evans (@coreyevans_10) June 16, 2019

I have a feeling Isaac Likekele is about to pay huge dividends at #OklahomaState. Already had a very good freshman season but looks ready to take a big step as a sophomore. Big time leader and dudes appear to love playing with him #USABMU19

— Eric Bossi (@ebosshoops) June 17, 2019

Likekele and Mike Boynton recently spoke with The Oklahoman about the rising sophomore’s opportunity with Team USA.

“Opportunities like that don’t come every day, so I definitely want to just go out there and try to seize the opportunity and take advantage of it,” Likekele said.

Boynton says there’s plenty that his young floor general can gain from the experience, and plenty he can bring back to Oklahoma State’s rebuilding 2019 team this fall.

“You get to go compete against the best players in the world in your specific age range, so just coming back with that confidence,” Boynton told The Oklahoman. “I’ve seen it happen several times when guys go to (camp) not sure of themselves and come back pretty much with different mentalities in terms of the way they work, showing up early more consistently, staying late more consistently, being able to share those experiences with some of the younger guys who (Likekele will) be influencing in our program.”

There’s another familiar name to Cowboys fans. Cade Cunningham, the five-star 2020 guard who recently included OSU in his Top 10 and is reportedly an orange lean, is also among those vying for a spot on the roster.

Arguably the best scrimmage session I’ve taken in at a USA Basketball event. High level affair and dudes competing. Caleb Love, Jalen Green & Cade Cunningham among HS standouts. Samuell Williamson, Casey Morsell, Isaac Likekele, and Reggie Perry among college guys leaving a mark

— Corey Evans (@coreyevans_10) June 17, 2019

If both Cunningham and Likekele make the team, maybe the elder guard can further endear the younger to OSU’s program. Just don’t tell U19 head coach, Kansas State’s Bruce Weber. He probably doesn’t want to face Cunningham next year if he can help it.

The U19 tryouts run through Tuesday, June 18. Finalists are expected to be announced that day. The roster will be set prior to the team’s departure for Greece on June 24.